Volendam in Jan. 2006

[hoppelk]

We have a hold on a cabin for Volendam in Jan. 06 for the 10 day southern Caribbean cruise. This will be our fourth cruise, but first on Holland America. I am 50 and my wife is 48. She likes sightseeing, desserts, and entertainment. I am pretty flexible, but the itinerary is what attracted me to this cruise. Tell me the good and the bad about this cruise. The 10 day Sun Princess is also in contention, but the itinerary is not as attractive, but the price is.

[Burnsey]

I'm also looking into the Volendam for Feb 11th 2006 and I don't know much about this ship. Hope someone can help us...Does it have a Neptune Lounge? I don't see anything on the deck plans and where it is located.

[Esme]

I'm also looking into the Volendam for Feb 11th 2006 and I don't know much about this ship. Hope someone can help us...Does it have a Neptune Lounge? I don't see anything on the deck plans and where it is located.

Yes - obviously web site and brochures have not been updated. It's where the 5 inside cabins are midship on the Nav deck.

Volendam is our favourite ship - great crew. We have sailed on her many times and probably will be again this Christmas.

[Sage]

The Volendam is also our favorite ship, and I can not say enough good things about the ship and crew. I think that you will be very happy with the Volendam. The Neptune Lounge is gorgeous, and the Concierge service the best.

[hoppelk]

Just two replies ?????. My wife was hoping to see some descriptions of delicious mouth-watering desserts and Burnsey would probably like to hear more about the ship, also. I would like some comments on the southern Caribbean itinerary. I appreciate the information so far, but am anxious for more.

[doone]

I am planning on booking the Feb. 11, 2006 cruise on the Volendam with my entire family. I am also sailing the Volendam for the 2nd time this March.

My favorite HAL ship is the Amsterdam, but the Volendam is so close its almost a tie. Yes, book the Volendam, she's elegant, classy and has a wonderful crew onboard. I don't think you will be sorry.

Friends of ours sail Princess occassionally, but their hearts are still with HAL and the Volendam.

If you are a bread pudding fan, don't miss it in the Lido each afternoon onboard the Volendam.

[Pudgesmom]

Don't miss the chocolate cake in the main dining room on the first night. They only offered it once on our 7 day Oosterdam cruise, and it was fabulous.

The Pinnacle specialty restaurant has a dessert called the volcano cake. It is baked chocolate on the outside, with molten chocolate lava inside. Don't miss this either.

If you like ice cream, they have real, not soft serve, ice cream free every day in the Lido. Lots of really good flavors. I also really like the cookies, usually grab a few too many and take them right back to our room.

I'm sure someone else here can add a few desserts to this list.

Beth

[Pilot70D]

Just two replies ?????. My wife was hoping to see some descriptions of delicious mouth-watering desserts and Burnsey would probably like to hear more about the ship, also. I would like some comments on the southern Caribbean itinerary. I appreciate the information so far, but am anxious for more.
Let me cordially invite both of you to read a thread I started titled "Live From The Volnedam Dialy Report (yes, i do know how to spell 'daily' but not on that day). By now this thread is probably ten pages back but worth your time.

Enjoy the Volendam - we did.

[2rg]

I'll be on the Volendam for the first time late March this year. If you can hang loose and not commit to a cruise for several months I'll be posting a review on this site when I return. Look for it in April.

[KAJOKG]

The Volendam is my favorite ship! And to answer the "dessert question," HAL's bread pudding and custard sauce is really, really good.

[hoppelk]

Thank you for all of the replies. We will be booking our first HAL cruise tomorrow.